1. No category

Symptom Management Guidelines:
ANOREXIA and CACHEXIA
Definition(s)
•
•
•
Anorexia: is the involuntary loss of appetite or desire to eat that result in reduced caloric intake and is often associated
with weight loss.
Cachexia: is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying illness and characterized by loss of muscle with
or without loss of fat mass
Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome: is a complex syndrome which is often defined in terms of its primary or secondary
causes. Primary causes are related to metabolic and neuroendocrine changes directly associated with underlying
disease and an ongoing inflammatory state. Secondary causes are aggravating factors (e.g. fatigue, pain, dyspnea,
infection, etc) that contribute to weight loss.
Contributing Factors
Cancer Related
Cancer Treatment
Related
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•
Other
•
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Tumors of the head and neck, gastrointestinal system, lung, liver or pancreas
Lymphoma
Metastatic disease
Metabolic abnormalities (increased muscle catabolism, increased lypolisis)- caused by:
- Tumour products
- Endocrine alterations
- Host systemic inflammatory response
Hypercalcemia
Cancer Treatment can directly or indirectly lead to the following symptoms that can contribute
to experiencing anorexia and cachexia NOTE: Severity of side effects depends on the area
irradiated and treatment schedule
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Early feeling of fullness
- Fatigue
- Oral mucositis
- Esophagitis
- Nausea or vomiting
- Taste/smell changes
- Dysphagia
- Strictures
- Pain
- Xerostomia
Surgery:
- Can cause mechanical or physiologic barriers to adequate nutrition (e.g. short gut)
- Imposes an immediate metabolic response that increases energy needs and changes
nutrient requirements necessary for wound healing and recovery.
Alcohol/substance abuse
End-stage diseases (e.g. AIDS, renal or hepatic failure)
Medications (e.g. some opioids, antibiotics, antifungals)
Neurological diseases (e.g. delirium, dementia, Parkinson’s disease)
Underlying chronic conditions (e.g. COPD, ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis)
Depression, anxiety or distress
Socioeconomic factors (e.g. lack of emotional, social, financial supports)
Belief(s) that eating certain foods will make cancer progress/worsen
Consequences
•
•
•
•
Increased risk of cancer treatment dosage reductions, delays or discontinuation of treatment
Alteration in immune status
Weight loss, malnutrition and cachexia, dehydration, muscle mass changes
Quality of life – psychological distress, fatigue, nausea, compromised role function, decreased functional status, altered
body image
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 1 of 10
Focused Health Assessment
GENERAL ASSESSMENT
Contact and General
Information
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•
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Physician name –
oncologist, family
physician
Pharmacy
Home health care
Other health care
providers
Allergies
Consider Contributing
Factors
•
•
•
•
•
Cancer diagnosis and
treatment(s) – note type,
date of last treatment
Medical history, including
history of prior weight loss
Medication profile
Recent lab or diagnostic
reports
Note patient score from
the BCCA Nutrition
Screening Tool on the
Patient Reported
Information and Symptom
Measurement Form
(PRISM)
SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT
Normal
• How would you describe your appetite
•
normally/before your diagnosis?
How would you describe your diet before
your diagnosis?
Onset
•
•
When did you notice a change in your
appetite?
When did you notice a change in your
body weight?
Provoking / Palliating
•
•
Can you describe your symptoms? How
much weight have you lost?
How much are you eating and drinking?
Region/ Radiation
• N/A
Severity / Other Symptoms
•
•
How bothersome is this symptom to you?
(0-10 scale, with 0 not at all – 10 being
worst imaginable)
Have you been experiencing any other
symptoms? (Note presence and severity
of any symptoms that may influence
nutritional intake such as: diarrhea,
constipation, dysphagia, depression, early
satiety, fatigue, oral mucositis, nausea or
vomiting, pain, taste changes, xerostomia)
Treatment
•
•
•
•
•
Using any medications to promote
appetite? If so, what type? Effective?
Using any nutritional supports? If so, what
type? Effective?
Any other medications or treatments? (e.g.
analgesics, steroids, antidiarrheal agents,
antiemetics) Effective?
Frequency as clinically indicated
Orthostatic BP measurements
Height and Weight
•
•
Take current weight and compare to
pre – treatment or last recorded
weight
Height
Observe General Appearance
•
What makes it better? Worse?
Quality (in last 24 hours)
•
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Vital Signs
•
Note strength, mobility, and wasting of
skeletal muscle, presence of
peripheral edema
Assess skin tone, colour, and integrity
Hydration Status
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•
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Assess urine output
Assess daily intake and output
Assess skin turgor, capillary refill,
mucous membranes
Signs and Symptoms of
Dehydration
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Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Decreased urine output
Decreased skin turgor
Weakness, dizziness, confusion
Increased pulse, decreased blood
pressure, postural hypotension
Other
•
Assess other systems or symptoms
as per patient complaints (e.g. oral
assessment if mucositis or
xerostomia, abdominal assessment if
diarrhea or constipation)
Understanding / Impact on You
•
•
Is this affecting your ability to carry out
your normal daily activities (ADLs)?
How else is this symptom affecting you or
your family?
Value
•
•
What do you believe is causing your lack
of appetite?
What is your acceptable level for this
symptom (0 – 10 scale)?
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 2 of 10
ANOREXIA GRADING SCALE
Adapted NCI CTCAE (Version 4.03)
Normal
GRADE 1
(Mild)
GRADE 2
(Moderate)
GRADE 3
(Severe)
GRADE 4
(Life threatening;
disabling)
Normal appetite
Loss of appetite
without alteration in
eating habits
Oral intake altered
without significant
weight loss or
malnutrition; oral
nutritional
supplements indicated
Associated with
significant weight loss
or malnutrition (e.g.
inadequate oral caloric
and/or fluid intake);
tube feedings or TPN
indicated
Life threatening
consequences; urgent
intervention indicated
*Step-Up Approach to Symptom Management:
Interventions Should Be Based On Current Grade Level and Include Lower Level Grade
Interventions As Appropriate
Management of Anorexia and Cachexia
Special Considerations
Assessment Tools
•
BC Cancer Agency Oncology Nutrition
Referral Criteria
•
•
The Nutrition Screening Tool (NST) is used by oncology nutrition to help identify patients
who are at risk for malnutrition in ambulatory or hospitalized oncology patients. The NST is
located in the PRISM form. See Oncology Nutrition Services in Resource Section
Automatic Referrals
- Head and neck cancer receiving active treatment.
NOTE: CNS, Thyroid and Lymphoma patients are not included in automatic referral criteria
- Esophageal and stomach cancer receiving active treatment
At Risk Referrals
– New patients with a score of 2 or greater on the Nutrition Screening Tool (PRISM form)
- Patients with impaired intake or absorption due to one or more of the following:
 Anorexia and weight loss
 Difficulty chewing or swallowing
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
- Patients:
 At risk for or have partial bowel obstruction
 On tube feeding or TPN
 With a colostomy or ileostomy
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 3 of 10
NORMAL – GRADE 1
NON – URGENT:
Prevention, Support, teaching & follow-up care as required
Patient Care and
Assessment
Dietary Management
(See BCCA Resource
Section for links to
Patient Education)
Pharmacological
Management
•
Identify factors contributing to loss of appetite or weight- when possible, minimize or
eliminate these factors
• Lab tests that may be ordered:
- CBC, electrolytes, glucose, calcium, total protein, albumin and pre-albumin, LDH.
NOTE: Albumin and pre-albumin are often better interpreted in the context of a marker of
inflammation such as ESR, or ferritin
• Assess social supports (e.g. caregiver availability, home environment, finances)
• Explore beliefs around food:
- Cultural issues (e.g. Chinese “hot” and “cold” foods)
- Family or care giver pressuring intake
- Clarify food misconceptions (i.e. foods that promote cancer)
- Consider pre-existing diets (i.e. Diabetes, HTN. Discuss liberalization of
recommendations to promote intake
• Promote exercise as tolerated to maintain lean body mass, strength and physical functioning
• Recommend relaxation exercises 30-60 minutes before meals to decrease tension and
promote appetite
• Ensure adequate hydration and daily oral intake.
- Consider patient status when providing nutritional advice.
- Quality of life should take precedence over nutritional status with patients who are near
end-of life
• Encourage or Promote:
Adequate fluid intake
- Increase fluid intake as tolerated.
- Promote high calorie/protein fluids with medications and throughout the day (e.g. full-fat
milk, homemade smoothies, nutritional supplements).
- Limit fluid intake to 30 minutes prior to meals to avoid feeling full and 2 hours before
normal bedtime so as not to interrupt sleep.
Small, frequent meals (5-6) per day.
- High calorie, high protein foods (e.g. cheese/cottage cheese, eggs, Greek yogurt, nut
butters, protein bars, avocados)
- Eating largest meal when feeling most hungry regardless of time of day
- Sitting upright for 30 to 60 minutes after eating to facilitate digestion
- If smell of foods suppresses appetite or contributes to nausea, suggest cold foods, foods
with mild odours, or avoiding the kitchen during meal preparation
- If fatigue or meal preparation a problem, suggest the use of convenience foods (e.g.
frozen foods, canned soups), take-out foods, catering service, family or friends preparing
meals, or Meals on Wheels®
- Oral nutritional supplements as needed to augment diet; particularly if patient has
symptoms that interfere with nutritional intake or absorption
• Medications for management of other symptoms (e.g. antiemetics for nausea or vomiting,
analgesics for pain)
• Review medications that may be contributing to anorexia or symptoms that may affect
nutritional intake. Discuss with physician and/or pharmacist as appropriate.
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 4 of 10
Patient Education
and
Follow-Up
•
•
•
•
•
•
Discuss relationship of nutrition to disease process and treatment
Discuss cancer diagnosis and treatment side effects that may alter nutritional intake
Reinforce that appetite may fluctuate depending on where the patient is in their treatment
Discuss recommendations (as above) to manage symptoms that affect nutritional intake
Advise patient/family to monitor food, fluid intake and weight carefully
Provide contact information and instruct patient/family to contact physician or nurse if
- Continued lack of appetite with little or no food or fluid intake
- Continued weight loss
- Signs and symptoms of dehydration
– Unable to perform ADLs See Generic Resource Section for ECOG Scale
Exercise strategies;
– Regular exercise may help to regulate appetite. Suggest patient appropriate exercises
– Resistance exercises decrease muscle wasting.
NOTE: Consider advance directives and stage of disease. May be necessary to counsel and
educate patient and loved ones around disease process to focus on patient comfort and relieve
caregiver anxiety as pressuring intake can worsen symptoms
GRADE 2 - GRADE 3
OR
•
Moderate to severe decrease in functional or performance status
•
Presence of symptoms which can impact nutritional intake (e.g. diarrhea, constipation, dysphagia,
nausea or vomiting, oral mucositis, xerostomia)
URGENT:
Requires medical attention within 24 hours
Patient Care and
Assessment
Dietary Management
•
Collaborate with physician:
- To rule out other causes or concomitant causes
- Need for further patient assessment at cancer centre or with GP
- Consider risk of refeeding syndrome and need for medical evaluation/monitoring of lab
work should patient be at risk
Refeeding syndrome can occur when high calorie nutrition is introduced in a malnourished
patient. The resulting hyperglycemia can cause shifts in phosphorus, magnesium and potassium
from the extracellular to intracellular spaces. Side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
more serious cardiopulmonary effects. See appendix A for assessment and monitoring
• Lab tests that may be ordered:
- CBC & diff, electrolytes, glucose, calcium, total protein, albumin, pre-albumin, LDH,
creatinine, liver function tests
NOTE: Albumin and pre-albumin are often better interpreted in the context of a marker of
inflammation such as ESR, or ferritin
• See Dietary Recommendations in Normal - Grade 1 section above
• Referral to Oncology Nutrition (dietitian) for nutrition assessment
• Consider need for hydration and/or enteral or parenteral nutritional support. See Appendix A
for further detail about enteral and parenteral nutrition
•
Consider multiple modalities to manage anorexia (e.g. using appetite stimulant with dietary
supplementation)
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 5 of 10
Pharmacological
Management
Patient Education
•
Medications that are most commonly prescribed:
– Corticosteroids recommended for short term use to stimulate appetite (e.g.
dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone).
– Progestinal agents may also be considered to stimulate appetite (e.g. megestrol acetate,
medroxyprogesterone acetate).
– Metoclopramide does not stimulate appetite, but may be prescribed to decrease nausea
and early satiety.
• Medications less commonly prescribed:
– NSAIDs may mediate the inflammatory response of cytokines
– Omega 3 fatty acids (e.g. eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) may help to normalize
metabolism and stabilize weight
– Dronabinal may decrease nausea, stimulate mood and appetite, but does not prevent
weight loss
• Treat depression if appropriate
– Mirtazapine 7.5-30 mg at hs
Refer to non-urgent patient education and follow-up section
GRADE 4
OR
The presence of one of the following:
•
No oral intake for 24 hours
•
Signs of dehydration
•
Sudden, severe decrease in functional or performance status
EMERGENT:
Requires IMMEDIATE medical attention
Patient Assessment
and Care
Dietary Management
•
Admission to hospital may be necessary, notify physician of assessment, and facilitate
arrangements as necessary.
• If on active treatment, may require a chemotherapy treatment dosage reduction/delay or
discontinuation. For direction see Chemotherapy Protocols in Resource Section
• Lab tests that may be ordered: CBC, electrolyte profile, glucose, calcium, total protein,
albumin, pre-albumin, LDH, creatinine, liver function tests. Assess and monitor.
NOTE: Albumin and pre-albumin are often better interpreted in the context of a marker of
inflammation such as ESR, or ferritin.
• Consider multiple modalities to combat anorexia (e.g. using appetite stimulant with dietary
supplementation).
• Consider risk of refeeding syndrome and need for medical evaluation /monitoring of lab work
should patient be at risk.
Refeeding syndrome can occur when high calorie nutrition is introduced in a malnourished
patient. The resulting hyperglycemia can cause shifts in phosphorus, magnesium and potassium
from the extracellular to intracellular spaces. Side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
more serious cardiopulmonary effects. See appendix A for assessment and monitoring.
• Clinical Nursing Support:
– Vital signs as clinically indicated
– Accurate monitoring of daily intake and output, including daily weight
– Ongoing assessment of hydration status
– Pain and symptom management as appropriate
• Urgent referral to Oncology Nutrition (dietitian) for nutrition assessment and management
• Requires hydration and/or enteral or parenteral nutritional support if this matches patient’s
goals. See Appendix A for further detail about enteral and parenteral nutrition.
– Encourage increasing fluids as tolerated
– Provide mouth care
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 6 of 10
Pharmacological
Management
•
•
•
Medications that may be helpful:
– Corticosteroids recommended for short term use to stimulate appetite (e.g.
dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone).
– Progestinal agents may also be considered to stimulate appetite (e.g. megestrol acetate,
medroxyprogesterone acetate).
– Metoclopramide does not stimulate appetite, but may be prescribed to decrease nausea
and early satiety.
Medications less likely to be helpful:
– NSAIDs may mediate the inflammatory response of cytokines.
– Dronabinal may decrease nausea, stimulate mood and appetite, but does not prevent
weight loss
– Cyproheptadine may result in mild appetite increase
Medications not likely to be effective:
– Cannabinoids,
– hydrazine sulfate
– melatonin
– Omega 3 fatty acids (e.g. eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA)
RESOURCES AND REFERRALS
Referrals
Chemotherapy
Protocols
Oncology Nutrition
Services
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Patient Support Centre or Telephone Care Management
Oncology Nutrition Services (Dietitian)
Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care (PSMPC) - if multiple symptoms
Physiotherapist
Occupational therapy
Patient and Family Counseling for stress management, relaxation, support groups
Home Health Nursing
Family GP
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/HPI/ChemotherapyProtocols/default.htm
•
Nutrition Screening Tool in PRISM form (page 9):
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/EB23DAAD-BB32-4379-B5001A8B70AD2584/0/2013PRISM_v02.pdf
Increasing Fluid Intake: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/195C58DB-BED1-4C6D8A73-6DBBE317C610/56447/IncreasingFluidIntake1.pdf
Eating Challenges with Advanced Cancer:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/75D25772-8F87-4C8C-9BA28600AB07591C/55931/Advancedcancerandnutrition8x11doc3.pdf
Coping with Dry Mouth: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/34FCC2F3-3C4A-430DA2AC-6D5F5560AC86/55947/CopingwithDryMouth3.pdf
Coping with Taste Changes: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/EBAF551F-4C76-49B5BA94-F16F1A4D0FAA/55969/CopingwithTasteChanges5.pdf
Food Ideas to Cope with Taste and Smell Changes:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/EBAF551F-4C76-49B5-BA94F16F1A4D0FAA/55970/FOODIDEASTOCOPEWITHTASTEANSMELLCHANGES2011.pdf
Food Ideas to Try With a Sore Mouth:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/195C58DB-BED1-4C6D-8A736DBBE317C610/56443/FOODIDEASTOTRYWITHASOREMOUTH2011.pdf
Easy to Chew Recipes: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/34FCC2F3-3C4A-430DA2AC-6D5F5560AC86/55946/EasytoChewRecipes3.pdf
Food Ideas to Help with Decreased Appetite:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7C545587-9100-4302-BA80AA56F846910C/55950/FOODIDEASTOHELPWITHDECREASEDAPPETITE2011.pdf
Food Choices to Help Control Nausea:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/195C58DB-BED1-4C6D-8A736DBBE317C610/56449/FOODCHOICESTOHELPCONTROLNAUSEA2011.pdf
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 7 of 10
•
•
•
•
•
•
Patient Education
Resources
Related Online
Resources
•
Bibliography List
•
•
Suggestions for Dealing with Constipation:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/195C58DB-BED1-4C6D-8A736DBBE317C610/56437/DealingwithConstipationJuly07.pdf
Food Ideas to Help Manage Diarrhea:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/195C58DB-BED1-4C6D-8A736DBBE317C610/56439/FOODIDEASTOHELPMANAGEDIARRHEA2011.pdf
Healthy Eating Using High Protein High Energy Foods:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7C545587-9100-4302-BA80AA56F846910C/55948/HighEnergyHighProtein.pdf
High Energy, High Protein Menu and Recipes:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7C545587-9100-4302-BA80AA56F846910C/55951/HEHPMenuRecipes.doc
High Calorie High protein Smoothie: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7C5455879100-4302-BA80-AA56F846910C/56329/HighCalorieHighProteinSmoothieBooklet1.pdf
Nutrition and Lung cancer:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/HPI/NutritionalCare/PtEd/Specific+Types+of+Cancer.htm.
Resources about managing anxiety, symptoms of grief, positive thinking, etc
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/copingwithcancer/emotional/dealingemotions/factsheets.htm
E.g. Fair Pharmacare; BC Palliative Benefits
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/AA6B9B8C-C771-4F26-8CC847C48F6421BB/66566/SymptomManagementGuidelinesRelatedResources.pdf
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/628C2758-5791-42F8-A99635E927BAB595/66568/MasterBibliograpyListSeptember2014.pdf
Date of Print:
Revised: October, 2013
Created: January, 2010
Contributing Authors:
Revised by: Ava Hatcher, RN BN CON(c)
Created by: Vanessa Buduhan, RN MN; Rosemary Cashman, RN MSc(A), MA (ACNP); Elizabeth Cooper, RN BScN, CON(c);
Karen Levy, RN MSN; Colleen Sherriff, RN; Ann Syme, RN PhD (C)
Reviewed by: Lindsay Van der Meer, BSc RD; Jodie Errington, RN BScN
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 8 of 10
Appendix A: Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition
(PN)
•
Definition: Enteral Nutrition: Feeding provided through the gastrointestinal tract via a tube,
catheter, or stoma that delivers nutrients distal to the oral cavity
• Types: Enteral nutrition may be delivered via nasogastric tube for when nutritional support is
anticipated for a short duration; whereas, a percutaneous endoscopic inserted gastrostomy or
jejunostomy tube may be more appropriate nutritional support of a longer duration. A variety
of enteral formulas are available to meet the specific nutritional needs of the patient.
• Indications:
• Individuals with severe malnutrition
• Diminished ability to ingest or absorb adequate nutrients for a prolonged period of time, and a
functioning GI tract (e.g. oral or esophageal cancer).
NOTE: Where possible, enteral feeding is preferred method over parenteral nutrition because it
preserves GI function, is associated with a lower rate of infection, and costs significantly less.
Possible Complications:
• Aspiration of gastric contents
• Dumping syndrome
• Hyper/hypoglycemia
• Dehydration/fluid overload
• Changes in bowel habits
• Nausea/vomiting
• Skin irritation
• Infections
• Blocked feeding tube
• Refeeding Syndrome
• Definition: The intravenous administration of nutrients. Central parenteral nutrition is
delivered into a large-diameter vein, usually the superior vena cava adjacent to the right
atrium. Peripheral parenteral nutrition delivered into a peripheral vein, usually of the hand or
forearm
The Use of Parenteral Nutrition(PN) Guide in Cancer Patients
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/06F7A492-887D-402F-9152A9F2EAE1987A/55954/FinalPNGuidelines.doc
Parenteral feeding formulas are based on individual needs and daily caloric requirements.
Indications:
• When the patient cannot eat and enteral route is not feasible.
• At risk for malnutrition. (Nothing by Mouth greater than 7 days).
• When the patient and family or designated representative have a clear understanding of the
goals of care and where the use of PN can support those goals.
• Where the benefit of PN outweighs its risks and burdens.
Contraindications:
• Prognosis or treatment plan that does not warrant aggressive nutrition support or a prognosis
less than 3 months.
• PN should be withheld when severe hyperglycemia, azotemia, encephalopathy,
hyperosmolality, severe fluid and/or electrolyte disturbances are present.
Possible Complications:
• Infection (sepsis)
• Venous thrombosis
• Air embolism
• Myocardial perforation
• Pneumo/hemothorax
• Hyper/hypoglycemia
• Metabolic abnormalities.
• Re-feeding Syndrome
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 9 of 10
Re-feeding
Syndrome
•
Refeeding syndrome can occur when high calorie nutrition is introduced in a malnourished
patient. The resulting hyperglycemia can cause shifts in phosphorus, magnesium and
potassium from the extracellular to intracellular spaces.
• Side effects:
- Decreased gastric motility resulting in; nausea/vomiting
- Decreased absorptive surface area and enzyme production; may result in diarrhea
- Rapid fluid volume increases cardiac demands
• Labs to monitor for refeeding syndrome should include:
- Serum sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine and
blood glucose.
NOTE: lab monitoring should begin one day prior to initiating nutrition support and continue until
goal rate achieved and potassium, phosphate and magnesium within normal range for 48 hours.
The information contained in these documents is a statement of consensus of BC Cancer Agency professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to
treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to
determine any patient's care or treatment. Use of these documents is at your own risk and is subject to BC Cancer Agency's terms of use, available at
www.bccancer.bc.ca/legal.htm.
Page 10 of 10